Inspired by popular programmes like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and Being Human, Cops and Monsters is an innovative spin on the hallmarks of a much-loved genre, updating it for a new era – and setting it all in Scotland.
A cult success on YouTube that received special screenings at Comic Cons around the UK, in particular MCM Scotland, Sci-Fi Wales and MCM London, Cops and Monsters has also received several
prestigious international film awards. Cops and Monsters was nominated for Best Web Series 2017 at Web Fest NYC, received an Exceptional Merit distinction at the WRPN Global Webisode Competition 2017, and was the winner of Best Web Series 2016 at the Los Angeles Film Awards. As a result, it’s no surprise that the series caught the eye of executives at Amazon – Cops and Monsters will now be exclusively available on Amazon Prime, which will also be the home of series two.
Cops and Monsters is a police thriller set against a backdrop of growing tensions and an uneasy peace treaty between the human and supernatural communities. The first series sees the Paranormal Investigation Team Scotland following the trail of a shadowy werewolf assassin, before being drawn into the wider intrigue and danger of The Cult of Many Faces. Rookie agents Maya Hedges (Ellen Patterson) and Martin Carmichael (Kenny Boyle) navigate the visceral danger of this case and the obstructionist bureaucracy presented by the Scottish Ministry of Justice – all while Maya must come to terms with the death of her parents, killed by werewolves years prior.
The series has attracted a star-studded cast of familiar faces from British television and experienced genre veterans. Guest stars include Doctor Who companions Sophie Aldred & Caitlin Blackwood, Marvel & Harry Potter actor James Payton and Wolfblood stars Rachel Teate & Leona Kate Vaughan.
Conceived and spearheaded by writer/producer Fraser Coull, the series was an entirely independent venture. Each episode was produced on a budget of £15 000, raised through a succession of concerted Kickstarter campaigns – a testament not only to Cops and Monsters’ popularity, but also the passion and dedication of its fans and supporters.
Of the move, Fraser Coull says “I had to decide if it was the right thing for the show or not. But really it comes down to getting the show as much profile and a bigger audience as possible, so that all our hard work can be recognised. Hopefully, it will also open some doors for us all!”
View Cops and Monsters on Amazon Instant Video Here.
